Kenneth Smith Thomas Sr. Obituary (1928 - 2005)

Kenneth Smith “Smitty” Thomas Sr.Calais – Kenneth Smith Thomas Sr., 77, died Saturday, August 13, 2005 at a Calais hospital. Smitty was born in Calais, May 6, 1928, son of the late Kenneth J. and Hazel (Smith) Thomas. He is a Veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Occupational Forces in Japan. In 1952, he graduated from University of Maine Orono with a B.S. in Business Administration. Smitty married Jennie Burgess on August 9, 1954 in St. Stephen. He owned and operated the International Motel and the St. Croix Valley Drive-In Theater for over a half century, both uniquely American institutions. Smitty was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church where he was a Past Senior Warden, Past President and Paul Harris Fellowship recipient of the Rotary where he had 37 years perfect attendance, member of the St. Croix Lodge #46 A.F. & A.M. of Calais, Anah Temple Shrine in Bangor, Royal Order of Jestures, Sherman Bros. Post #3 American Legion, served on the Board of Directors of Calais Regional Hospital for many years, served on the Board for Canada & New Brunswick Railroad, and loved fishing and hunting. He was predeceased by a sister, Leah Thomas. Surviving are his loving wife of over 51 years, Jennie Thomas; a son, Kenneth Thomas Jr. and wife Karen of Calais; a daughter Terri Coutu and husband Michael of West Warwick, R.I.; a sisters, Frances Sammer of Calais; six grandchildren, Holly and Leah Coutu, and Alissa, Cassondra, Airelle, and Nicholas Thomas; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Friends may call 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 Monday, August 15, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church with Father David Sivret officiating. Burial will follow in Calais Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, Church St., Calais. Cemetery: Calais Cemetery South St. Calais, ME 04619 (map/driving directions) Visitations: 7:00PM to 9:00PM on Monday, August 15th, 2005 at Mays Funeral Home (Prayer at 7:30PM) (map/driving directions) Services: 11:00AM at St. Anne's Episcopal Church on Tuesday, August 16th, 2005 (map/driving directions)